Our “best of” lists may be thin this year: best movie you watched in theaters? Best new restaurant? Best travel experience? Nope, nothing, nada. Thanks, COVID. But we held on to at least one of our favorite hobbies this year…
On Christmas Day in 1776, Gen. George Washington led 2,400 troops across the Delaware River. The weather was cold and miserable. The troops were exhausted; they had to contend with snow and ice. Their mission was to surprise the Hessian…
Washington It is Christmastime. The citizenry goes out to churches and, if they are lucky, some public places, to be inspired by Nativity scenes. I spent Saturday in the countryside of northern Virginia and saw not only Nativity scenes in…
“Christmas White House,” editorial cartoon by Yogi Love for The American Spectator, December 22, 2020.
Well, friends and relatives, another year is approaching its end, and so once again it’s time to bring you all up to date on what’s been going on with our little family here in Oakland. First, although I’m calling this…
Monday A quick visit to downtown Beverly Hills to shop for gifts I cannot afford, then off to Pavilions, an immense grocery supermarket in the heart of West Hollywood, maybe five minutes from where I live. As I waited in…
Most of us love the idea of a snow-filled white Christmas, but secretly dread the accompanying blizzard of commentary about how we ruin the season by giving in to commercialism. Focusing on gifts and glitter, we are told, is shallow,…
“I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me.” So crooned Bing Crosby in December 1943. The song was a lament for countless boys fighting abroad in World War II, longing to be home for Christmas. By Christmas 1945,…
The problem with talking is that you say things. Keeping quiet is an intelligent decision but with very few proponents. On the other hand, if you’re quiet all through Christmas dinner people might confuse you with the turkey and try…
